Elena celebrates its town holiday

The town of Elena is celebrating its holiday today — the Day of Saints Constantine and Helena — with a rich cultural and religious program. The celebrations also coincide with the major Christian holiday of the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord (Spasovden).

Spasovden is celebrated on the 40th day after Easter and marks the end of the earthly journey of Jesus Christ and His return to heaven. On this occasion, festive Holy Liturgies are held in churches across the country.

Today’s dual Christian celebration makes May 21 one of the most widely celebrated days during the year. People named Spas, Spaska, and their derivatives, as well as Konstantin, Elena, Kostadin, Elka, and others, are all celebrating today.

The day is also the professional holiday of drivers, builders, bakers, and hoteliers, who traditionally organize ritual meals (kurban) for health and well-being.

Edited by Darina Grigorova

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov